Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova Achieves LNG Bunkering Milestone in Asia
In a groundbreaking development for the cruise industry, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova has become the first passenger cruise ship to undergo liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering in Asia. The historic operation took place at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC), marking a significant step forward in the maritime sector’s shift towards cleaner, lower-emission fuels.
The LNG transfer was completed at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal, facilitated by TotalEnergies Marine Fuels (TEMF). The operation involved the LNG bunker vessel Brassavola, which is managed by V.Ships and owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. This achievement not only reinforces Singapore’s position as a global maritime hub but also sets a precedent for future LNG bunkering of cruise vessels in the region.
Meticulous Planning and Coordination
The LNG fuelling of Silver Nova was the culmination of months of detailed planning and coordination among a multitude of stakeholders. According to TEMF, rigorous attention to safety protocols and operational standards was paramount to ensure a seamless process. This meticulous preparation enabled passenger movements and cruise ship operations to proceed without disruption throughout the bunkering process.
Jacqueline Tan, CEO of Singapore Cruise Centre, expressed her enthusiasm over this milestone, particularly in light of the increasing number of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels entering the cruise industry.
“When we learnt of Silver Nova’s intention to bunker LNG, we took swift action to collaborate with TotalEnergies in bringing all parties together,” Tan said. “As this is the first LNG bunkering for passenger cruise ships in Singapore, we needed to ensure that we were operationally ready for it. There were stringent protocols to be complied with by all stakeholders, guided by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This successful operation will pave the way for other LNG-powered cruise vessels to bunker at our HarbourFront Terminal.”
A Decarbonisation Milestone
The successful bunkering operation is seen as a critical move towards decarbonising the maritime sector. LNG is considered one of the cleanest fossil fuels available, offering significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. By adopting LNG, cruise operators like Silversea Cruises contribute to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of Aviation and Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies, emphasised the broader implications of this achievement for the shipping industry’s decarbonisation goals.
“This achievement underscores the maritime industry’s collective drive towards lower-emission solutions and the vital role of partnerships in accelerating the transition,” Tricoire said. “As TotalEnergies pushes ahead in our ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 together with society, this feat strengthens our commitment to developing alternative fuels and solutions to help global shipping reduce emissions.”
Setting the Stage for Future Operations
The debut of LNG bunkering at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal is an extension of LNG services that have been available in Singapore for harbour craft and commercial vessels since 2016. By opening up these services to passenger cruise ships, Singapore is broadening its capabilities and enhancing its appeal to eco-conscious cruise lines.
As the cruise industry increasingly adopts LNG technology, the infrastructure to support these vessels will become a crucial factor in itinerary planning and port selection. The success of the Silver Nova operation demonstrates Singapore’s readiness to meet this demand and reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable maritime practices.
The LNG bunkering of Silver Nova is more than just a technical accomplishment; it represents a strategic alignment with global environmental goals and Singapore’s maritime ambitions. As more cruise lines look to reduce their carbon footprint, pioneering operations like this will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable cruising. With the success of this first operation, the path is now clear for additional LNG-powered cruise vessels to utilise Singapore’s HarbourFront Terminal, marking the start of a new era in Asian cruising.
